Premier League season preview: Leeds to Wolves: Football Weekly

Summary

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Football Weekly – Premier League Season Preview: Leeds to Wolves

Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Max Rushden
Panel: Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson, John Bruin (“A” = Max, “B” = John, “C” = Jonathan, “D” = Barry)

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Overview

This episode of Football Weekly is part two of the Premier League 2025–26 season preview, covering the clubs from Leeds to Wolves. Host Max Rushden is joined by regulars Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson, and John Bruin for a colourful, sharp, at-times-chaotic panel discussion of every club’s prospects. They debate transfers, tactics, managers, expectations, and deliver their tongue-in-cheek predictions – with the usual quota of banter, regional pride, and all-out pessimism.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Leeds United: Survival, Style, and Familiar Problems

Timestamps: 02:15–08:11

• Opening fixtures: Home to Everton, tough early away games (Arsenal, Newcastle).
• Squad turnover: New faces mostly unknown to the panel, highlighting a sense of unpredictability.
• Manager scrutiny: Daniel Farke – “good Championship manager” but significant doubts over whether he’s up to securing Premier League stability (B, 02:56).
• Style of play: More attack-minded and confident in the Championship, but fears this might leave them exposed at the Premier League level (C, 04:04).
• Key signings mentioned:
  • Anton Stach (Hoffenheim) – Defence-minded player with a “good reputation”.
  • Sean Longstaff (from Newcastle) – Mixed feelings about his age and impact.
  • Lucas Perry (goalkeeper) – Potential upgrade but yet to be tested at this level.
• “Leeds diaspora”: The club’s unique national and international fanbase is noted on air for its loyalty and regional pride (B, 02:41).
• Player to watch: Japanese midfielder Tanaka singled out as a fan favourite, even endorsed by Declan Rice (B, 06:47).
• Predictions:
  • John: 17th (just survive)
  • Barry: 18th
  • Jonathan: 17th
  • Max: “Trying to keep Leeds and Sunderland up” – 15th

Notable quote:
“Daniel Farke is a good manager. He’s a great manager in the Championship. We know that. If Leeds struggle early doors…Farke is going to be a manager under pressure from the very start. He knows that, he knows the game, and he’ll accept the challenge. I’d like to see him do well.” — John Bruin [02:56]

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Liverpool: Big-Name Recruits, Shape-Shifting, and Early Questions

Timestamps: 08:11–13:14

• Major signings: Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Minos Kerkes, Jeremy Frimpong (possible: Alexander Isak).
• Key losses: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota (tragically), among others.
• Tactical shift:
  • Moving from a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 hybrid to a full 4-2-3-1.
  • Places new pressure on midfielders and demands new connections, especially for Mohamed Salah (C, 08:47).
• Community Shield as warning:
  • Wilson noticed teething problems: Salah isolated, Frimpong’s different style at full-back, and issues moving the ball upfield without Alexander-Arnold.
  • Panel expects new manager Arne Slot to fix problems, though small margins might settle title race.
• Enthusiasm for Wirtz:
  • “Not a Rolls Royce of a player, he’s a Mercedes S-Class…He is, he’s a brilliant player!” (B, 11:40)
• Central defence worries:
  • Panel sees a major risk if either Van Dijk or Konate is injured; lack of depth could undermine a title push.
• Predictions: Barry tips them for the title (13:14); rest have them in the top-three mix.

Notable quote:
"There's not really anybody there to do that [Alexander-Arnold’s passes]. Now Frimpong is a totally different type…that should suit Salah…but Salah was left very isolated. So I don’t think it’s a massive issue but it is an issue that needs fixing…" — Jonathan Wilson [09:54]

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Manchester City: Rebuilding, Pep’s Energy, and Transfer Strategy

Timestamps: 13:14–21:05

• Key ins: Rinders (AC Milan), Ryan Aït Nouri (Wolves), Ryan Cherki (Lyon), James Trafford (Burnley), Sver Nei Pahen (Rosenborg).
• Departures: Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker.
• New era under Guardiola?
  • Third iteration of his City project, big question over Pep’s motivation and how he manages a wave of new signings.
  • Rodri’s fitness and form called “crucial.”
  • Panel muses on Guardiola’s public Interviews—does his talk of holidays and burnout suggest reduced drive? (C, 14:56)
• Transfer policy shift: City are buying less ready-made players and more ‘prospects’—a change from their proven model. Some concern over their hit-rate cooling off (C, 21:21).
• Aït Nouri as a wildcard: Unclear if he fits the Guardiola model or will be quickly discarded.
• Predictions:
  • Max: “I think they will win the title.”
  • Wilson: For City, “if Rodri is at his best, no reason they shouldn’t win.”
  • Barry: Sees a season of challenge, but wonders if they slip further.
• Humour: Extended banter on Pep at the Oasis gig, and “being more like Bournemouth” as a possible tactical revolution.

Notable quote:
“It may be that does sort of give him this sort of renewed sense of purpose. But he’s been a manager at the top level for 16 out of the last 17 years, and that is a long time to be at the very top.” — Jonathan Wilson [16:22]

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Manchester United: Big Spending, Uncertainty, and The Monorail Man

Timestamps: 21:57–31:19

• Major signings: Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko (in negotiation for Baleba).
• Departures: Rashford, Eriksen.
• Manager focus: Ruben Amorim, after a messy season, given money “gone for broke.”
• Squad overhaul's risks:
  • “They’ve just gone for it. But it’s showbiz, it’s Manchester United. It can be both [entertaining and a black comedy].” (B, 24:30)
  • Concerns about whether new signings are actually “top, top” players or just attack-minded fun hires.
• Amorim’s mood: Bruin notes, “He looks about 15 years older than when he took that job” already [25:00].
• Panel doubts:
  • Wilson skeptical: new players have risks, United have learned little from past missteps with expensive signings.
  • Key outgoing and discipline issues unresolved; bloated squad with hard-to-sell big earners (Sancho, Antony, etc.).
• Expectation management: Panel predicts finish from 5th to 8th; lack of Europe is both blessing and sign of the times.

Notable quote:
“He could be the equivalent of the monorail guy in the Simpsons…He has built a monorail in Lisbon!” — Barry Glendenning and Jonathan Wilson [26:24]

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Newcastle United: From Optimism to Soap Opera

Timestamps: 32:09–39:13

• Transfer “meltdown”: Isak wants out, club struggling to attract new players—reversal from optimism at end of last season.
• Key ins/outs: Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale in; Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Lloyd Kelly out.
• Ownership “priority” falling: Panel speculates Saudi PIF have moved Newcastle down their sports investment list; messy behind-the-scenes recruitment.
• Mood issues: Loss of Amanda Staveley’s influence, instability at boardroom level.
• Expectation drops: From expected title challengers to likely top-half at best.
• Humour/bite:
  • John: “It’s almost like you can't talk about the football with them because it's like this soap opera has taken a different direction.” (B, 32:55)
  • Barry finds the Isak saga “hilarious” and wonders if there’s a “footballer WhatsApp group” warning others off.

Notable quote:
“Newcastle…it’s like this soap opera has taken a different direction. It’s the realisation that maybe the Saudi ownership wasn’t the golden ticket…” — John Bruin [32:55]

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Nottingham Forest: Overachievers Facing a Crunch

Timestamps: 39:13–41:52

• Key ins: Dan Ndoye (Bologna), Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Ajay Acuna (CB, Botafogo).
• Key outs: Elanga (to Newcastle), Danilo, others.
• Squad volatility:
  • Massive overperformance last year, but squad faces depth and motivation issues—particularly Morgan Gibbs White’s uncertain commitment (D, 39:58).
• Impact of Europe: Panel expects European competition to further strain the squad.
• Elanga’s exit: Seen as a significant loss; doubts if Chris Wood can replicate his haul.
• Predictions: Lower mid-table, not relegated but dropped off.

Notable quote:
"Chris Wood had the season of his life last season. He may well get 10 or 12 or 15 this season, but it’s not going to be as good as last season." — Jonathan Wilson [40:52]

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Sunderland: Hope Returns to Wearside

Timestamps: 46:32–51:18

• Promotion story: Dramatic playoff winners.
• Transfer activity: More signings than panel “can believe” – including Granit Xhaka, Simon Adingra, focus on physicality.
• Manager praise: New coach Regis Le Bris inspires hope through flexibility and intelligence (D, 49:03).
• Survival chances: Decent opening fixtures could help; panel hopeful but not deluded, targeting survival is the main aim.
• League table simulation trivia: Sunderland were the only PL team the Opta “supercomputer” never saw win the league in pre-season sims.
• Predictions:
  • Wilson: 17th (just safe)
  • Barry: 15th
  • John: bottom (20th)

Notable quote:
"If even a third of them work out, that would still be really good. I think the signing of Granit Xhaka could be an absolute inspirational one." — Barry Glendenning [49:03]

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Spurs: Pragmatism and an Unforgiving Fanbase

Timestamps: 51:42–56:09

• Key ins: Mohammed Kudus, Kevin Danso (perm), Luka Vuskovic, Joao Palhinha.
• Key outs: Son Heung-min, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, James Maddison injured.
• Manager:
  • Thomas Frank, seen as “pragmatic” and innovative, but faces fans skeptical about Brentford-to-Spurs credibility.
  • Panel expects improvement at set pieces, defensive solidity.
• Caveats: Frank starts slowly; danger section of fans could turn quickly if results lag.
• Prediction: Consensus is that Spurs will be “absolutely fine,” likely top seven.

Notable quote:
"Thomas Frank will actually concentrate on set pieces and not dismiss them as some mere frippery as dear old Ange did." — John Bruin [55:10]

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West Ham: Miserable Summer, Minimal Inspiration

Timestamps: 56:09–59:31

• Key ins: Jean-Clair Todibo, El Hadjiouf (not that one), Kyle Walker-Peters, Callum Wilson.
• Key outs: Kudus, Zouma, Ings, Antonio, Fabianski.
• Panel verdict: Signings not inspiring, managerial change (Graham Potter) has yet to have obvious impact; transfer leadership chaotic.
• Fans' mood: Flat, expectations lowered.
• Predictions: Multiple panelists have them relegated or close to relegation.

Notable quote:
"There is disquiet among the fans. Maybe West Ham fans wouldn't have it any other way. But you do fear for them." — John Bruin [57:31]

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Wolves: Managerial Magic Needed Again

Timestamps: 59:35–61:31

• New signings: Jorgen Strand Larsen, Fair Lopez, John Arias, David Moller Wolfe.
• Departures: Cunha, Rayan Aït Nouri, Guedes.
• Vitor Pereira effect: Marked points boost last season; panel credits his charisma but questions if it is sustainable.
• Squad quality: Midfield rated as “brilliant,” but dropping points possible if regression sets in.
• Predictions: Most tip mid-table, Max predicts relegation.

Notable quote:
"Fair Lopez that they brought in. Quote from Vitor Pereira: 'He has the magic we need,' so let’s watch out for him." — Barry Glendenning [61:09]

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Memorable Moments & Humour

• Whit and banter throughout, including quick-fire apologies to the clubs always squeezed for time (West Ham, Wolves).
• Peak panel energy: Quibble over who knows less about Leeds and ageist gags at Sean Longstaff’s expense.
• “Monorail guy” allusion for Ruben Amorim’s risk of flop (26:24).
• Igor trivia wars: Brief, frantic rundown of every Igor in the Premier League’s history [42:43–43:07].
• Leeds and Sunderland: Both get votes of both regional affection and gentle disdain.
• Panelist pessimism: As usual, many teams given near-eulogies – and yet several tip their own clubs to survive against the odds.

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Notable Quotes

• On Liverpool’s new look:
  “Van Dijk kept getting dragged forward to where Gravenberch should be. That was all quite predictable. But I hadn't appreciated the issue they’d have getting the ball to Salah…There's not really anybody there to do it now.” — Jonathan Wilson [09:54]

• On new United signings:
  “They’ve gone for lots of players who just shoot from anywhere. It’s showbiz, it’s Manchester United. Let’s bring back United as an entertainment franchise rather than, you know, a black comedy.” — John Bruin [24:30]

• On Newcastle’s troubles:
  "It's like this soap opera has taken a different direction...it's the realization that maybe the Saudi ownership wasn't the golden ticket." — John Bruin [32:55]

• On Pep’s motivation:
  "If you're embarking on quite a big job of rebuilding...and you're already thinking of a holiday you can have when you've finished, that doesn't sound like someone who's got bags of energy." — Jonathan Wilson [15:08]

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Predictions Summary

Titles & Top 7s:

• Tipped for the title: Liverpool (Barry), Man City (Max), Chelsea (Jonathan, bold call).
• Common top seven picks: City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, Villa, United.

Relegation hot picks:

• Sunderland, Leeds, Burnley, West Ham, Wolves variously mentioned—few outright panel consensus.

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• 02:15 – Leeds dawn in the PL; can they survive?
• 08:11 – Liverpool shape-shifting; recruitment, Salah’s conundrum
• 13:14 – City’s rebuild; Pep’s state of mind; transfer pivots
• 21:57 – United: spending spree, Amorim’s prospects, squad puzzle
• 32:09 – Newcastle: ownership woes, Isak drama, transfer headaches
• 39:13 – Forest: European challenge, squad churn
• 46:32 – Sunderland: hope, signings, survival odds
• 51:42 – Spurs: Thomas Frank era, fan patience tested
• 56:09 – West Ham: misery summer, relegation worries
• 59:35 – Wolves: manager bounce, regression threat
• 61:37 – Panel’s final top 7 and bottom 3 predictions

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Tone and Style

Throughout, the debate is lively, opinionated, and full of the trademark Football Weekly humour—mixing cynicism, optimism, local rivalries, and light-hearted detours into fandom and football culture. The panel’s camaraderie and regional allegiances colour their insights and predictions, making for a sharp, entertaining, and deeply informed season preview.

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Transcript

[A]

This is the Guardian.

[B]

When you're a forward thinker, you don't just bring your A game, you bring your AI game. Workday is the AI platform that transforms the way you manage your people, money and agents so you can transform tomorrow Workday moving business forever forward.

[A]

Hello, welcome to the Guardian Football Weekly Part 2 of the Premier League Predictions We've replaced a Lew and a JJB with a Wilson and a Bruin. Can Leeds become a force again in the Premier League? To do that they have to stay in the Premier League. Can Daniel Farker surprise even his owners and do it this time around? Liverpool have recruited bigly and well. Although the Community Shield second half might have the experts rethinking a second title in a row. Could Man City win the title? Pep is still Pep. They've bought some more after going big in January. But have they fixed the defensive frailties that cost them last year? What of Manchester United? Big Sir Jim has given Ruben Amarim cash and he's brought in some fun players. But how heavy will the shirt weigh on this lot? Newcastle have not won the window, but they still have Eddie Howe. Forest have been promoted to the Europa and have kept Morgan Gibbs White. Blink twice Morgan if everything's okay. Will Thomas Frank add more trophies after Ange opened the floodgates brackets? Note we are recording before spurs hammered PSG on Wednesday night. And how nervous should West Ham and Wolves fans be not only for their seasons but the fact that yet again the the Alphabet has cost them and will have run out of time to do them justice. This is the Guardian Football Weekly. On this panel, Barry Glendenning again. Welcome. Hi Max joining us as well, Jonathan Wilson. Hello.

[C]

Morning. How you doing?

[A]

I'm very well. And John Bruin.

[B]

Hello.

[A]

So yeah, the hot takes that you missed from yesterday chaps is that Barry and Jordan both relegated Everton. I don't know how you feel about.

[B]

That one new stadium. More misery is the vibe you're going for.

[A]

That's the vibe that was my most surprising.

[B]

Even deeper misery I suppose would be the way of putting it. Thoughts, Wilson?

[C]

I mean obviously I speak slightly with my Sunderland hat on here that you're looking at teams who might be worse than Sunland this season. I wouldn't have Everton top of that list, but they are on that list.

[A]

So there we are. Sorry Everton fans, let's begin this part with Leeds. They have brought in a lot of players who I have never heard of and hopefully some of you have. They begin at home to Everton. They go to Arsenal, Newcastle, Fulham and Wolves in Their opening game. They won the championship last year. John, you said on a recent podcast you'd be happy to see Leeds back in the Premier League. Existing in the Premier League. You didn't necessarily say you want them to be successful.

[B]

I like the idea of a Yorkshire and proud club in. You know, I'm all for devolutions to the regions. Funny enough. Leeds have this sort of diaspora of fans from right across the span.

[A]

They came to Australia because of know the Du and Cube.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. And also from. If you go from like almost like Lincoln across to West Yorkshire, they have this sort of you a certain type of fan and but they, they, they obviously the, the 1970s and maybe the early 90s have given them that, that cachet and there's something of a fallen giant of English football and it's nice to see them back and you know this season it's going to be difficult again. I think it's because I mean they don't have the Bielsa magician. Daniel Farker is a good manager. He's a great manager in the championship. We know that. And I think as I've said before, there will be if. If leads struggle early doors. Considering the fact that the owners considered replacing him at the end of the season. I think you know, Farker is going to be a manager under some pressure from the very start. He knows that he knows the game and he'll accept it and he'll accept the challenge. I'd like to see him do well. Yeah.

[A]

I think we all hope that the promoted sides make a better fist of it than last season, but I sense like they might have more chance. And specifically with Leeds, how do you see them?

[C]

I know they finished level on points with Burnley but they were certainly the better side to watch last season. I mean I think it's interesting what Burnley have done that they sort of play the defensive football last season. They probably will have to play this season. Leeds are much more traditional. We're better than the championship. We're going to attack them. And I remember the game when Sunderland played at Elland Road which would have been what the March time and Sunderland were 1 nil up till 70 something minute. End up losing 31 because Leeds had Mana Solomon, Dan James. But then they could bring on Rabitani and Willie Nanto. No other team in the championship had that level of attacking quality. But that sounds very different when he put in the Premier League context. So you know Daniel far his third crack at the, at the Premier League. I think the sense before was his teams were Quite good going forward but not necessarily good at the back. And I think that that could easily be the be the problem again. They have replaced Ilier which I think is. Was necessary. Whether Lucas Perry is a significant improvement or not, we'll. We'll find out.

[A]

Lucas Perry suckling. Could he be that good?

[C]

Oh yeah.

[A]

How do you see Leeds faring Baz?

[D]

I. I think they'll struggle. I think they'll be in a group of six or seven that will relegated. Three will come out. I do think they'll go back down but I wouldn't be hugely surprised if they stayed up. This guy Anton Stacked. They've bought in the defenses. Midfielder from Hoffenheim. I've heard people raving about him. I. I don't know much about him myself. They've brought in Sean Longstaff from Newcastle who's a decent player but he's getting on a bit I think. And is he.

[B]

Don't tell me Sean.

[C]

OK on about.

[D]

Who am I thinking?

[A]

He was born in 97. He's 97, right?

[C]

Well.

[B]

Yeah he.

[D]

He's a perfectly decent midfielder but I don't know if he'll start in that. That side. It'll probably be Stack Ampadu in the. The heart of the Leeds first choice midfield. There are question marks over Fark obviously but this is a different proposition I think to Norwich Carroll Road's quite a gentle environment. Ellen Roads.

[B]

They wouldn't say that. You know.

[C]

Have you never.

[B]

Carrot can get going, you know. Well not like Ellen Road but.

[A]

Yeah, I've.

[D]

I've been to Carrot Road a few times. Well look, everyone is saying, you know the. The Ellen Road factor is a big factor.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And no one has ever said the car.

[D]

In any other world. I'd like to see them do well but I want them to be worse than Sunderland. Whether they are or not is anyone's guess.

[B]

They have a player, a Japanese player, Tanaka, who I'm really looking forward to seeing the Premier League. He was really good in the championship last season. Declan Rice is a huge fan of his.

[A]

Right.

[B]

So that shows you that he says he said. I'm really looking forward to seeing him play in the Premier League next season. So watch out for him.

[A]

Okay. Where have you got them? John?

[B]

17Th.

[A]

17Th. Barry?

[D]

18Th.

[A]

Jonathan.

[C]

I haven't written numbers down so 17th.

[A]

Okay. Numbers feel like an important point.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I've just put them in order.

[D]

You literally had one job.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

I just thought I'd be reading out the table at the end. I didn't realize I'd have To kind of.

[A]

Well, I have them 15th. I'm trying to keep Leeds and Sunderland up. I'm trying to do that.

[D]

Yeah. I mean, I would say of the 20 teams in the league, Leeds are probably the one I know the least amount about. There are very much there.

[A]

I mean, the bar there is high or low.

[D]

Well, that is the kind of condescending comment I was expecting.

[C]

Which is.

[D]

Predictable but entirely unfair.

[A]

I didn't want to put you.

[D]

There are 20 teams in the Premier League. I know a lot more about some of them than I know about others. Leeds are the one I know least about.

[A]

I didn't want to get on the wrong side of you. Barry, this early in this podcast, will you accept my apologies?

[D]

Well, is it sincere?

[A]

It is sincere, yes.

[D]

I don't think it is.

[A]

That is sincere.

[D]

Right. Okay.

[A]

I'm a big fan of yours, Barry. I spent too much time with you not to be. Liverpool have obviously brought in a lot. Florian Verts, Hugo Akitike, Minos Kirkus, Jeremy Frimpong, Alexander Isak. Not yet, but you know, the rumors suggest he will get there. Obviously. Luis Diaz, Gerald Quanta, Quin Kelleher, Trent, Alexander, Arnold have gone. And of course they lost Diogo Jota in that tragedy. They begin at home to Bournemouth on Friday night. They go to Newcastle, Arsenal, Burnley and Everton. We've talked a lot about Liverpool already. Wilson. Has what you saw at the Community Shield changed any of your thoughts on that?

[C]

Well, slightly so I thought that. And I wrote a piece last Saturday night's website now that there is no Sunday paper suggesting that the level of change is not just that it brought in four players, five players spinning side, you count. It's the nature of the players they brought in that that probably would take time to settle. And even if that goes perfectly, it's a process. It'll take four or five weeks. It could cost them four or five points. And if it is a title race, that could be decisive. You look at the squad, particularly if Esac joins it looks incredibly exciting. But they're changing shape. They're going from more sort of a 433-4231 hybrid to a 4231. That puts more pressure on the two players back in midfield. I'm not sure that that's going to be an easy process. I know that on Sunday Gravenberg wasn't there. Mallister wasn't fit enough to start. The area is going to be under pressure. You haven't even got your first two choice players there. But that's why I think Van Dijk kept on getting dragged forward into that space where Gravenberg should be. So that I think was all quite predictable. What I hadn't sort of appreciated was the issue they were going to have getting the ball to Mohamed Salah which I think is partly because Alexander Arnold was so good at that that you sort of not you took his passing for granted but Those sort of 30, 40 yard accurate passes he would play which would get the ball to Salah quickly get Salah breaking. There's not really anybody there to do that. Now Frimpong is a totally different type of full back. He's always going to go on the outside. That should suit Salah in that he wants to come infield. So that creates space, creates that channel for Frimpong to go outside. But you then have to balance that defensively. And also Salah coming in field needs a centre forward to get out the way. And Ekitike sort of it was the worst of both worlds. He got out of the way in the sense he spent a lot of his time over on the left but he wasn't getting out the way in the sense of dropping deep correct in the space for Salah. So Salah was left very isolated. So I don't think it's a massive issue but it is an issue that needs fixing and therefore I've kind of slightly downgraded my estimation of him.

[B]

I was at the Community Shield. I would echo much of what Jonathan says but you have to trust Arne slot. When Liverpool appointed him, when Richard Hughes turned to him, they did so because they thought he was the one of the best tacticians in the game. He's obviously will have seen what's gone wrong in the Community Shield. He seemed pretty unflustered by that. But as Jonathan said, the title race may come down to small margins. Now I, I watch Florin Verts and you know he's not a Rolls Royce of a player, he's a Mercedes S Class, you know, that's the. He is, he's a brilliant player. God, it was like, okay, this guy is special but there may be some sort of Juan Sebastian Veron vibes in there, you know where he's so good and the fans are gonna love him. Remember how Liverpool fans were with Thiago and Cantara? Just like, yeah, oh you know this guy, you know, Mesmeric I think was the word that they use on the.

[A]

Way Thiago kicks a ball.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But it didn't quite work, did it? Because it didn't quit quite Work with the way that Liverpool had become used to their team playing and if you put a player like that who is so by his nature dominant, it may take time for the rest of the team to fit around him and Salah in that game. That's not to say it will happen every game. Salah was isolated. Now Salah has been the player that's carried them for many years and also vers being in the team as Jonathan said also meant Virgil van Djk the other, you know, totem of the team is pulled into that position. So there's a balance that needs to be struck there and I suppose it's a question of how long it takes for slot to find a solution to that.

[D]

Barry Liverpool I suppose the one thing to add is they look very light in central defense. If anything happens, Kate or Virgil then I could see that being a problem. Obviously there's 20 days of the transfer window remaining so that they may bring in someone. Marquee has been talked about. I think in pre season they've had Andy Robertson do a shift in the heart of defense. Graven Birch has played in the heart of defense. Maybe Endo as well can do a job. But I, I do think they are at the moment completely over reliant on Kanati and Van Dijk which is fine as long as they're fit. But if either of them suffered a injury that was going to keep them out for a long period, I could see that being a problem. But otherwise I, I think they'll retain their title.

[A]

You have them first, I have them third. Wilson third. Okay. How exciting. Okay then Manchester City who've bought in Rinders from AC Milan, Ryan Ignore is coming from Wolves. Ryan Cherky as well from Leon, James Trafford from Burnley and Sver Nei Pahen a midfielder from Rosenberg. They've obviously lost. Kevin De Bruyne and Karl Walk a lot of experience in there. They begin at Molineux, then they play Spurs, Brighton, Man United and Arsenal in their opening five games. Presume Barry the Hunger will be back for City.

[D]

Yeah, I'd imagine so. Obviously every City preview has to be accompanied by the big charges asterisks. I think much of their this is. It's kind of PEP's third iteration of City, isn't it? With Noah De Bruyne now, much will depend, I suspect on whether Phil Foden has a good season or not. He was weirdly bad last season. I thought he needs to step up. I suspect the signings they brought in. I suspect James Trafford will definitely challenge Ederson for the first choice goalkeeper position. They've just got so many good players. There's no real mega buck signing. They're all around the 50, 60 million mark, I think. I think they will challenge for the title, but I don't think they'll win it. I could also see them finishing maybe ninth or 10th, I don't know.

[A]

But Johnny Liu had him sixth, Wilson, which surprised me. But how do you. And I think. I think they will win the title this year. I certainly have them top. But how do you see them going and how do you see them changing from what went wrong last year?

[C]

The signings both in January and the summer reflect this. I think they probably tried to get away with one year too many, with too many players who were getting towards the end. Rodri being injured, obviously, was the huge issue. And I think a lot depends on how well he comes back. I mean, if Rodri is back at his imperious best, then absolutely no reason why they shouldn't win the title. I think a lot depends as well on Guardiola that he clearly found last season very difficult. That interview he gave to gq, he sounded very tired. He was talking about the break he was going to have when his contract's up in 2027. Well, he didn't specifically say when his contract's up in 2027. He said when he leaves City, but his contract is up in 2027, so you assume he's looking at that as the end. I'm never sure it's a great sign. If you're embarking on quite a big job of rebuilding, you're bringing in, what sort of. Is it? Nine new players this year and you're already thinking of a holiday you can have when you finished. That doesn't sound like somebody who's got bags of energy, but, you know, it may be this is a new challenge for him and he is sort of energized by that. It's almost, you know, I don't know if you've read Stuart Lee's autobiography, but he talks about how he's doing this long tour in. In the southern hemisphere, in fact.

[B]

Right.

[C]

And how he got bored and he would then liven up for himself by deliberately losing part of a room in New Zealand just for the fun of getting it back.

[A]

And I mean, I've. I've lost many rooms. Not quite as many.

[C]

Have you ever got one back? But imagine how good that would be. Right? Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And Guardiola's in the rare position, most managers when things start to go wrong. They just get sacked. Because he's got so much credit in the bank, he's got this chance to rebuild and it may be that does sort of give him this sort of renewed sense of purpose. It does sort of recharge him. But he's been a manager for. Well, at the top level for 16 over the last 17 years. And that is a long time for managers to be at the very top. So it's. It's very difficult to know whether he will be recharged or whether he won't be. If he's recharged, yeah, they can win the title.

[B]

If.

[C]

If not, then it could be a difficult season for them.

[A]

So it's interesting that they bought in those players in January who have had time to settle down. I think Marmouche is such a brilliant player and if him and Haaland can sort of find a way of working together, can they?

[B]

Did seem a bit of cross purposes a bit last season, didn't they? I mean, it's funny when you look at those January signings, Victor Hayes has already gone to Girona. Now that normally isn't a positive sign for City, is it, though? He's very young. I mean, he's at City are the great intangible of the season, really, because previously City of Sign players, he thought, ready made. This guy will come in and be brilliant for them. And we're buying players that we knew all about, like Jack Grealish. You know, Jack Grealish is one of the people that supported the club, like Kevin de Bruyne, like Kyle Walker. So they're not particularly recognizable. But the question is, as Jonathan says, it's in Pep. And Pep's been pretty well public facing this summer. Big GQ interview, hanging around at the Oasis concert, you know, videoing himself singing into his iPhone at the concert, as I've never done that. But, you know, whatever. Whatever likes the song that he choose.

[A]

To sing along to.

[B]

I think it was Don't Look Back in Anger, you know, which is the Manchester anthem. So fair enough, you know, because he. To be fair to Pep. And I don't know if you saw this tweet over the summer, which was about how Peppers become part of Manchester. And you never saw that from Alex Ferguson, which is nonsense because Fergus there for. Still lives there. Fergie's. One of Fergie's best mates was a guy called Fufu Lamar, who was basically a drug artist. Right. Whose real name was Frank.

[A]

Got it.

[B]

Yeah. Who in the gay village. And so, like, you can't get more Investors in a City than hanging around there. So there's this whole sort of. Because Manchester is about City v United, right? Yeah. I mean, as you can tell by my own dribblings on the subject. But when we're talking about greatness as a manager, why do we think Ferguson was a great manager? It's the reinventions, isn't it? It's the coming back again and again and again. And if Pep does it this time with this group of players that we don't really know, we don't really know what tactics he's going to adopt. We don't know if he's. Because he's taught, hasn't he, about. Maybe it's about being more aggressive, maybe it's being like Bournemouth, maybe it's being like Newcastle. If he does a tactical revolution with this group of players and wins the title. Well, all hail Pep.

[A]

That's just defensively, you know, you're right. They aren't. They will not look like, you know, when you think of City, you just think, you know, all the players. But yeah, it'd be interesting to see.

[C]

Well, Ayat Nuri, I think is a. Is a really interesting signing because he. I would never picked him as a Guardiola player. Like Wolves. Great to watch because he gets up and down. He's kind of fun to watch as a neutral. Is he really going to be able to sort of adapt himself to the discipline of the Guardiola side? That smells immediately to me of one of those signings that Pep has. Two looks at him and then.

[B]

Does he get grealished? Exactly, yeah. Yeah.

[C]

Or maybe even. Does he get Calvin Phillips?

[B]

Yeah, oh, yeah. Exactly. Yeah. And the thing is, Pep is good at burning bridges with players. It's like not interested. And you've got that. There's a long list of those players.

[A]

I suppose we don't know at the time. Recording Savino's still there and I suppose if he does go, they could bring in Rodrigo and you know, I mean, Rodrigo, wow.

[B]

Yeah, wow, guys. Yeah. Yeah.

[C]

But the Savino, if, you know, if he does go, you know, City had this spell of. I don't know how long it would have been, like say seven, eight years where they didn't get transfer wrong. They were brilliant at signing players. That just seems to have gone slightly wrong in that last season under Chiki Baghiva sign. Obviously Ugo Viana's come in. Now these are Ugoviana signings and it does just feel. I mean, the profile, the player seems younger, less proven, which is Fine. I mean, that's a logical way to do it in many ways. A lot of clubs are doing that. Ryan Turkey, I think is a hugely exciting prospect. Not quite guaranteed that he'll fit in straight away, but, you know, he's definitely a player you would like to have at your club. But I think there is a question mark now. Overseas recruitment, in a way. They just hadn't been for a long time.

[A]

Have we done their positions?

[B]

No.

[A]

Barry.

[D]

Second, fourth, third, top.

[A]

That'll do for part one. Part two will begin with Manchester United. Welcome to part two of the Guardian Football Weekly. Yes. Please come to our live show on 11 September, playing the Troxy in London. Wilson, you're part of the panel.

[C]

Yeah. Very excited.

[A]

Along with Johnny Lou, Nikki Bandini, lots of cameos. Fancy coming down, John?

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

There you are. John Bruin coming down. This is great. Getting everyone in. Tickets can be purchased by heading to the guardian.com footballweeklylive we're live streaming it across the world. No excuses for any of you lot to watch it at some point and lots of videos etc. Plug in what we're going to be doing on our Instagram. Bluesky and Tiktoks. Manchester United.

[C]

Sorry, did not mean. No excuse not to watch it.

[A]

What did I say?

[C]

No excuse to watch it.

[B]

Both.

[A]

Both are fine. If I find out any of you have watched it, I'll be very disappointed. Manchester United then have bought in Brian and Beaumont. Matthias Cunha, Benjamin Sesko. They're interested in Baleba. Rashford has gone. Christian Eriksen's gone. They begin at home to Arsenal, then they go to Fulham, home to Burnley, away to City, home to Chelsea. They came 15th last year. Dwayne says how many points will Manchester United win the league by? Danny, Can United fit in a title parade before the World Cup? Come on then, John. They've spent a lot of money. How are you feeling?

[B]

Well, I'm surprised I've spent so much money. That's. That's the first thing to say. The players that they've brought in are all good players, but they're not top top players because that's not the market that Manchester United can exist in anymore.

[A]

Because you almost meant full mass. Top, top.

[B]

Yeah, top, top, top. But they, they can't say Rodrigo, you mentioned before, he's not going to sign for Manchester United. But you, they, they are still capable of picking off players from smaller clubs. So MBU watched a lot of at Brentford. Good player. Can he make the step up, Kunya.

[D]

Or the step Down.

[B]

Well, it's undeniable. Yes. I'm just getting used to it. All right, it's been 10 years but it still hurts. It still hurts, but yeah, whatever.

[A]

God.

[B]

But it was two years of hope but you know there's 10 of misery. I mean they've been win trophies and it's still miserable. Oh God. Not to do that again. No. But Kunya, brilliant play for Wolves. Explosive. So you've got this sort of idea that you're looking for like the new Fire brand, the new Cantona. Let's not give him that label already. That's absolutely ludicrous. Sesco. It's funny, isn't it a play like that that there's a lot so many clubs were link with him, Manchester United end up with him and you already get the back channels. Well, you know he's a lot of clubs to look to him. He's no good and you know, so it is funny that they've just gone big. Big sir. Gym spending has gone for broke. They've gone for, gone for strikers. They've just gone for it.

[A]

Gone for business. Lars made the point. They've gone for lots of players who just shoot from anywhere. Well, they've just been fun.

[B]

But it's showbiz. It's showbiz, it's Manchester United. Let's bring back Manchester United as an entertainment franchise rather than, you know, a black comedy. You know it, it's can be both it and, and it is, it is likely to be both. The other aspects of course is that this red hot manager that they signed, you know, back in October, November last year almost it appeared gave up on the domestic season and decide and gave up on a lot of players. He now has to work with those players that he's got at the moment. He has had the summer to train them as he would like. He's had the summer to fit them to this formation that for some reason he is utterly wedded to. I think one of the my predictions for the season is that at one point he will not play that formation and he might just be a little bit, bit better or it's worse and he says I was right all along or whatever. There'll be some variation there. But my observation of amrom over the summer is this. I. I was away, I came back from holiday from my black metal weekend, got got home and just as I got there they're showing the Premier League, you know, the week, the summer series and I didn't catch any of the game but I did see they were like oh, we're just waiting to speak to Reuben Amarim. And they cut to Reuben Amarim, face like thunder. And they took a while to get Reuben Amarim on because he was obviously annoyed about. It was an own goal, wasn't it, in that game. He was annoyed. He also has already developed the curse of Manchester United. He looks about 15 years older than when he took that job. Remember. Remember when Jose Mourinho went from salt and pepper to white?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And happens to the best. Yes, well, quite. Yes, but it's. It's. Let's see how the. How the Manchester United process. David Moyes turned up. You know, Strawberry blonde left a very gray man, so we'll have to see.

[A]

I didn't think you'd be that enthusiastic, Barry. How do you see them?

[D]

It's one of the tougher ones to call. I personally think Reuben Amaram will whip Manchester United into shape and make them a force again. I could be wrong. He could be the equivalent of the monorail guy of the Simpsons.

[C]

At least he has built a monorail in Lisbon. Yeah, that actually did happen. So left quite a good monorail sort of heritage in this. Been as well.

[D]

I think the monorail guy in the Simpsons built one in Shelbyville as well, but it was. It wasn't a very good monorail. Then there's the concern. The players he has brought in or United have brought in are clearly good players. But then Manchester United have brought in a lot of good players over the last 10 years who have suddenly become very bad players and become very bad players. Will this happen again? Only time will tell. So I'm inclined to think I. I can see them plumbing the depths of last season. I just cannot see that happening. As funny as it would be, I. I think they'll be fine without pulling up too many trees.

[A]

Give us your thoughts, Wilson, and where you have them.

[C]

Barry says they've brought in very good players, but I'm not sure they have. They brought in players who might be very good, like Cunha is very tempestuous. That could easily go. It might be fine. He might be a cantonal, but it could go wrong. And Burmo has only really had one season of being anywhere near as prolific as he was last season. Brentford, I think, is a club where last season everything worked. Every aspect of it was working together. The squad was incredibly well crafted and I suspect you take any unit out of that, they might not be as effective elsewhere. He might be fine. But there's a question Big. He's quick. Can't finish one on One, no, he's young. That might come. So there's a doubt there. And is he any better? Maybe. He probably is better than Hojlund was when he turned up, or Xerxes when he turned up. And Xerxes. Completely different type of player. But you saw the thing that those players couldn't do immediately is highlighted at United. Immediately exposed each of these three players, the same thing could happen. My other question, how much were they paying for those packed lunches? Because if this is a club that's on the brink of bankruptcy, as Jim Ratcliffe told us, and then they stop for packed lunch and suddenly they can spend 200 million quid on three forwards. That doesn't sound, you know, don't know.

[B]

If you got pret every day, you'll be skinned quickly.

[A]

Actually, a pret box is now 10 quid. Yeah, I had a shawarma box yesterday. It was good. But ten pounds?

[C]

Well, they weren't giving them pret, were they? She did it in their own kitchen.

[A]

Add a green goddess juice and that is a job.

[C]

That's madness. So much sugar in there. What are you doing?

[B]

Yeah, yeah, that's what he needed, maybe.

[D]

I think that the fact they don't have European football as well is quite an important factor.

[C]

That is a big thing. And I think the one advantage they've had or should have had, is they had all the last two thirds of last season for Amarim to look at the squad, assess it, start to put things in place. But then you'd have hoped with all that sort of preparation, as soon as the window opens in July, but it got in. The four or five players they want, crucially got rid of the players they want to get rid of. I mean, don't forget that Antony's still there, Sancho's still there, Malacia's still there, Garnacho's still there. So four of the five players they want to get rid of are still there. Taking their wages, draining resources. I mean, so that sounds like it's their fault. It's not their fault. It's that United have created that situation and as long as they're there, it's obviously hampering what they can do elsewhere. I don't think if you'd looked at the squad last season, you'd necessarily have said that the front three was what needed the big change. I mean, their best player over the last four or five years has been Brynn Fernandes, and you would think he'd be one of those three. Maybe the plans to play him deeper, but Then you need somebody with an incredible engine to play alongside him. Ugarte really hasn't looked like last season. He didn't look capable of doing that. Made the big mistake against Everton in the summer series. I mean, Bilaba would seem that profile, a player who could do that. But he's still young. There's a lot of pressure to put on him. Where does Kobbie Mainoo fit it? You know, this great young talent United have, but they've got a system. Doesn't really work for him. Amogello looked really good in parts last season, but is he really a wing back? That seems like a. He's so short.

[B]

Oh, God, this is so miserable.

[C]

Oh, no, he's so. You know, he's so short. You sort of think, you know, you're. If he's. If he's playing right wing back, it's the opposition. All you do is move a ball down the other wing, pop it up to the back post and then, you.

[A]

Know, Duncan Ferguson heads out.

[C]

Yeah. If you've dragged the back three across, then Giallo. What's Giallo going to do against six' four four? What would Giallo do in training in Shesco? Nothing.

[A]

Where are we putting United? I have him seventh.

[D]

Eighth.

[C]

Sixth.

[A]

After all that?

[B]

Yeah. I was gonna say.

[C]

Well, I think the lack of European football that time will help.

[B]

I'm so optimistic. They're gonna come fifth. Fifth. Wow.

[A]

So the predictions don't really fit with the discussion, but that's fine. Newcastle then. They've bought in Anthony Elanga. They bought Aaron Ramsdale. Malik Chao is on his way in from AC Milan. They want Johan Whisser as well. They've lost Lloyd Kelly who wasn't there anyway. I think last year. Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson have gone. They go to Villa and then play Liverpool, Leeds Wolves and Bournemouth. They came fifth last year. Where we have two Sunderland fans on this panel. David Ornstein tweeting this morning. Isak adamant he will not play for Newcastle ever again. Even if the window closes. No wish reintegrate. God, they should have had him at that barbecue, shouldn't they? So presuming he goes then, John.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

How. How do we view this Newcastle season? Johnny Liu had them third, saying, look beyond the noise. They're still a very good team with a very good coach.

[B]

I don't doubt that it's a talented group, but it's a. A much lessened group. Without a player like Isak. We've got to suggest that that is the end for him. They're just Going to have to get that deal done and then buy in the players to replace him. Rather flesh out the rest of the team. Borrowed Aaron Ramsdale, didn't they? On loan. Goalkeeper's been a problem for them, hasn't it? Nick Pope. They've sort of lost trust in him.

[A]

And I suppose it doesn't play out. Depends how you want to play.

[D]

Right?

[B]

Yes. Yeah. Does Aaron Ramsdale play that well out?

[A]

Well, I mean that was the Raya Ramsdale.

[B]

Yeah. That's. That was what I was going to say.

[A]

Than Nick Popert.

[C]

He's also a relegation specialist.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Well.

[B]

Yeah. You're into sort of Nigel Quasi territory, aren't you? With a gold keeper. But listen, Newcastle. It's almost like you can't talk about the football with them because it's like this soap opera has taken a different direction. It's the realization that maybe the Saudi ownership wasn't the golden ticket. Maybe you know the. The. The diversification of Saudi Arabian interests maybe has Newcastle a little further down the. The priority list than than was before. Than before. It's a situation that will amuse quite a lot of people. Because the way that the Saudis were open we see with such open arms though you have to have sympathy for Newcastle fans who felt that the Mike Ashley reign would not be repeated. Eddie Howe is a manager who has done a great job for them. This is a severe test of his ability to pull the club together. You'd expect the. The. The public to be unified behind him. They've got someone to hate. That's Alexander Isaac now the guy that was a godhead last season. It's going to be very, very difficult. They're in the Champions League as well. So in the reverse of Manchester United having a clear look at things, you know, being able to play week to week. They won't be able to play week to week. I'd expect them to drop out of the top five. We're gonna have to see what dealings if they can do. The other thing is compare the Saudis to the Abu Dhabi arrangement. Abu Dhabi, when they went into Manchester City got the setup behind the manager correct. That's what's gone wrong at Newcastle. It's been a mess. Paul Mitchell, sporting director has left. Amanda Stavey left the club which people say has had a big effect. It's been a mess behind. And you've had the recruitment policy not working. You can have all the money in the world as Manchester United have proved. If you don't spend it properly on the right people running the club. Then you've got problems and those are the problems Newcastle have got. Yeah.

[A]

I've got them down in 10th. Barry you I have them 11th.

[D]

The weird thing is if, if a couple of days after the end of last season you'd asked me I'd have thought this is going to be a big summer recruitment for them and they will definitely be in the shake up for the title next season. And now I think they'll do well to finish in the top half of the table. I'm not going to pretend I haven't. I've found this whole Isaac sag and them this apparent reluctance of so many players to go near them. Hilarious. I'm not going to pretend anything other than that. But yeah there's just something weird going on there. It's not I don't think it's a northeast thing.

[B]

No.

[D]

It's a specifically a Newcastle thing. I'm wondering is there some big footballer group WhatsApp chat that they know all know something we don't. I, I, I'm only guessing but I, I think Newcastle, you know it should be a very attractive proposition.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

And we always want touch them with a pool.

[B]

It's a great place to live and we'll visit it for Jonathan's wedding. It's a fantastic place and I love Newcastle as a place I'd happily live there but footballers don't seem to want to go there to play for Eddie Howe.

[A]

So where are you putting them?

[D]

I have them at 11, 8 8th.

[A]

And and and because Johnny had them third in the sense that we do get so carried away with transfer stories.

[D]

And well I just think there, there's been so much focus on Isaac and Whisa and they're very wofully short in other areas like they need a couple of center backs. They need.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Botman isn't the fittest.

[C]

You know I think there's a mood issue there as well that and they should. I think that's what's so frustrating for them that they win a domestic trophy first time in 70 years they're back in the Champions League. This should have been all positivity and instead there's this iconic player wants to leave. I think a couple other players are looking at that and thinking well if he wants to go maybe I also want to go. Their struggles to bring players in I think mean that you know that tier of players just below Isaka thinking well is this place building or not? And I think I've got sympathy with them there in the sense that Amanda Stavey left for reasons of health and that's very sad. And she clearly performed very useful function there in terms of being some kind of liaison. And it appears that Paul, I mean besides the briefings, it's very hard to know exactly what the truth is. But it appears that Paul Mitchell took a much harder line with Isaac than she would have done. And maybe had she been able to remain, that situation could have been resolved. They could have come to some kind of agreement. Do us one more year and we'll let you go. We'll put in a release clause or whatever rather than this really toxic standoff where it's very hard to see how he could come back. Now I know players have come back. Luis Suarez wanted to leave Liverpool and came back and it helped. He was banned for seven games that season so there was a natural sort of cooling off period. But it does happen but it's very hard to see it in this circumstance. Also Darren Eales, the CEO is. Yeah, he's in terrible health and that's a tragic situation. But that possibly means they haven't quite had the leadership they might have had. And then the fact that the complication that the Saudi pif. I mean one of the things Paul Mitchell got frustrated with I think was things had to go through a whole series of committees. He could never really take a decision. It always took ages to get done. And the less interested the Saudis become in Newcastle and they do seem to be refocusing on Saudi based sport then the further down that priority list they slide. So the issue is not really the quality of players in the squad. Although I think Barry's right there are a couple of areas where they obviously are short. It's just this sense of hang on, this has stopped moving forward and as soon as you lose that momentum the better players are always looking Hang on, where can I get a better deal? Where's the next place to go? Have not recently been a regular Champions League qualifier. Means there's always that doubt. And still it appears Benjamin Chesko preferred the offering at Manchester United which assuming he's got a.

[A]

He did listen to our bit about Man United though, to be fair.

[C]

But assuming he's got a cable channel in. In Leipzig, he must have seen United play. But even then that is a more. I mean maybe they offered more money. I don't know if Isak was only on 20 grand a week, maybe it is purely financial. But anyway United's package was. Or Manchester United's package was more attractive in Newcastle United's package.

[A]

Nottingham Forest brought in Danon Doi From Bologna forward and a winger Igor Jesus from Botafogo. And Ajay Acuna center back from Botafogo as well. Alanga's gone to Newcastle. Danilo's gone. A couple of others have gone as well. They begin at home to Brentford. They play Palace West Ham, Arsenal, Burnley. They finished seventh, Jim says. As the headline in Wilson's recent article noted, analyzing pre season friendlies is maddening. But right now it's all we have. With that in mind, Forest scoring one goal in seven games feels suboptimal, don't you think? They did massively overperform expectations. Certainly me and Barry's expectations, we had them relegated. They have to compete on multiple fronts. They have kept hold of Morgan Gibbs White. Elliot Anderson was perhaps England's standout player in the other €21. I know Harvey Elliott got pro of the tournament. How do we think they're going to go, Barry?

[D]

I. I'm not relegating them this season, but I do expect a massive drop off from what they did achieved last season. I think Elanga is a huge loss. I don't think Chris Wood will score anywhere near 20 goals again. Morgan Gibbs White appears to be being held there very much against his will. So I suspect he may not perform as well as he did last season. They have had a clear out of quite a lot of dead wood. I suppose you could call it Milankovic and Morello. If they can be as good again this season or as they were last season, that would be a big feather in their cap. But I, I do expect just an overall drop off and I, I can't see them trouble in the top half of the table. But I'm not relegating well.

[A]

I've actually got the mate.

[C]

I've got them 14th.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

For much the same reasons. As Barry said. I think having to play in Europe will put. Put a stress on that squad. Chris Wood had the season of his life last season. He may well get 10 or 12 or 15 this season, but it's not going to be as good as last season. I'm not convinced that Danon Doy is an upgrade on Alanga. He might be. I mean, you know, he's. He's played very well for Bologna, but whether he's. He's exactly that sort of very direct sort of somebody who's very good in transition. You know, Elanga was perfect for that and Stannon Doi may not be quite perfect for that. So yeah, I think there will be a drop off and I just. I sort of sense around that club. I mean I'm saying it like this is some, some great, great wisdom only I've defined. But there is a volatility around that club.

[A]

Put your finger on where that comes from.

[C]

I don't know. I don't know.

[A]

Okay, fine.

[C]

It tends. It tends to come from the top these things, but who knows? Was this one of the questions we had to answer? Who's going to be the first manager to go? But Nuno for no good reason is pretty high on that list. Just because.

[B]

Because it's not. Yeah.

[C]

He likes sucking a manager.

[A]

Where have you got them, John?

[B]

I've got them 14th. I think the European being in the European routine will affect them as it has done so many teams over the years. They haven't really strengthened this striker Igor. Jesus, that's using this. Marinakis appears to have this hotline to Brazil, doesn't he? You know which they got Merilla. What Forest did so well with a couple of players is that they have. Whereas say smaller European clubs pick up Brazilian players and then own them up. Not in Forest are going straight to the producer and that's to the original line of it and you know, picking up that talent. Let's see how he goes. Was it Brentford had to sign a play called Igor last season and he got injured.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm hoping that that doesn't happen the same. You know, we need a fit eagle. We need to fit. I want to see both fit Igors this season.

[A]

Big egos.

[B]

Brentford are going to need their ego.

[A]

They are going to need their eagles.

[C]

Has there ever been a good Igor? Igor Stepanov wasn't Igor Tudor.

[B]

Igor Tudor was a good player.

[C]

Eagle, Seaman, the Premier League ego.

[B]

Semat was good in Derby.

[A]

Best eagle.

[B]

Best Eagle. Best, best Eagle.

[A]

Yeah. There is a reason for me. All right, that'll do for part two. Part three. Igor Bishkan as well, says producer Joel. Yeah, of course there's a plethora of Igors.

[B]

Bishkan was better in the Champions League than he was in the Premier League.

[C]

Still. Still. I mean he was so good. That came away against Juventus.

[B]

Brilliant.

[A]

We're tight for time. We can't go into the Igors Premier League history. Part begin with Sunderland. Welcome to part three of the Guardian Football Weekly. If you're a regular listener, you'll know that this month Football Weekly is being supported by TNT Sports. In the ads we've been talking about how TNT Sports is the destination for football's not normal moments. Whether it's the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League or the men's and women's FA cup every matchday has the potential to deliver drama, fun and excitement. And as this is a prediction pod, we thought we'd ask the panel for a forecast of their not normal moment of the season ahead. Something that would never happen. Man United finishing 15th, spurs finishing 17th. Big Sam coming back. Aston Villa signing Rashford and Asensio in January. So, yeah, something that would never happen, but actually might happen. John, I'll start with you.

[B]

I've got a couple here.

[C]

Okay, good.

[B]

Okay. Yeah. I was watching Everton unveiling their news stadium, the Hill Dickinson. It was a veterans game, Everton v Roma. I'll tell you who's the best player on a pitch. Leighton Baines.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

I think Baines could still do a job for Everton. So Bain's back, but Bain's back for Everton. I'd like to see it. I think he could grace the Hill Dickinson. And another one. I was sad to see that. Juan Mer Lillo. Pep Guardiola's, you know, almost like his. His comedy partner, his chorus line partner has stepped away. He's been replaced by Pepin Linders, formerly Klopps. So that's an interesting swap. Wife swap, if you. If you like. But Pepin Lind is an ambitious guy. I could see him taking a club job somewhere else. We know there's been a bromance going on recently. I know who the new assistant should be for Pep?

[A]

No. Gallagher?

[B]

No. Neil Warnock.

[A]

Neil Warnock, yes. That's a great idea. Barry.

[D]

What would be nice if we could get through an entire season where Arsenal fans are not in any way upset by any refereeing decision that goes against them at all. Over the course of 38 games, they're perfectly satisfied. There are no talk of. There's no talk of conspiracies of any kind from on high, from Stockley park or from the PGO Mol. It's a pipe dream, but it could happen.

[A]

I'll say. At no point in the season will get frustrated by the handball, though.

[C]

Wilson, like John, I've got a couple so I quite like, especially a big team who have a bad start of a season. And in January they say, you know what? We haven't really been performing, so we're going to lower the ticket prices to reward our fans for their loyalty.

[A]

Perfect.

[B]

The impossible.

[C]

Or, and this is even less likely, a journey from London to the Northwest for a game to run smoothly. Or, and this is perhaps, I think this is vaguely plausible and to be fair, this was somebody on Twitter that asked us a question. What stimulated the thought After Newcastle have got rid of ESAC and they're desperately scrabbling around on the last couple of days of the window for a forward, they resign Ivan Tony from Saudi Arabia.

[A]

That is interesting and like you could see that happening.

[B]

Prodigal. Prodigal son returns, you know, with the.

[A]

Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Emirates FA cup and Adobe Women's FA cup all in one place. TNT Sports not normal. Stream TNT Sports on Discovery plus or watch TNT Sports channels on EE, sky and Virgin Media. Subscription required. Age 18/ Ts and Cs apply. Okay then on to Sunderland. They've bought in reams of footballers including Granit Xhaka. Simon Odingra from Brighton as well. They've lost Joe Bellingham. They've lost Tom Watson. They begin at home to West Ham. They then play Burnley, Brentford palace and Aston Villa. They won the playoffs in dramatic style. Certainly the playoff semi finals in dramatic style. Chris says how the Newcastle fan, how delighted are Barry and Jonathan knowing they've arrived in the Premier League. The exact season Newcastle's wheels fall off. Finishing above us is surely on the cards. I was speaking to Kevin Hatchard yesterday, European football expert Wilson. He was saying a lot of the players that you bought in are quite physical. It could be quite a dirty big boot. Hit them hard. Sunderland fine. Yeah. No, no, I'm excited about it.

[C]

The best recent Sunderland was the Sam and the Sunderland and they didn't mind a tackle.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So whatever it takes. Yeah. If you'd asked me immediately after the final whistle on the day of the playoff final.

[A]

Through the tears.

[C]

Through the tears, yeah. I would have said. I didn't say, well I'm just going to enjoy the day because Lexi's going to be terrible. But the signings have actually given me a little. I hate this about football. It just gives you hope. Just when you think I can write off this season, it's fine. The aim is actually to get, you know, be the first team to get in single figures points to set a record that will last the test of time. A record something of held twice previously. But actually I think the signings have been as good as you could realistically have expected. There's a nice range of ages that they're still going for the young players to develop and sell on. But they have brought in some experience. I mean Granit Xhaka I think particularly looks a pretty smart signing. I mean how bad must Erik Ten Hag's first training session have been at Laverkins? That suddenly Granit Xhaka discovers His lifelong ambition to live in Sunderland. But anyway, I'm grateful that he has. Certainly it's going to be incredibly difficult for them, but there's a chance. I think the start is pretty kind. I think the stats show that newly promoted teams, if they don't get eight points in the first five games, they don't stay up well, starting at home to West Ham, then Burnley away, then Brentford at home, there's a chance in.

[D]

All nine points right there.

[C]

And then, is it palace away and then Villa at home?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

So that's 15 points the first five games and nearly halfway there, Barry.

[D]

Yeah. I presumed that when they went up, they would go straight back down. The number of players they brought in has astounded me. Some of them. Look, look. Working on the presumption that every player you bring in will be really good is quite a foolish one, but if even a third of them work out, that would still be really good. I think the signing of Granit Jacker could be an absolute inspirational one. Interestingly, in 10,000 simulations of the imminent season run by the Optus supercomputer, Sunderland were the only team out of 20 who didn't win it once. So up. You're a supercomputer. My sights are set slightly lower than winning it. I think Regis Labri has something about him. I really do. He's very calm, he's authoritative and very tactically flexible. I. I won't mind if Sunderland get relegated, but I certainly expect them to give a much better account of themselves than any of the three teams that came up last season.

[A]

I haven't. Seventeenth, John. You haven't.

[B]

Bottom chaps.

[A]

I'm afraid that's okay.

[B]

I'm not sure why I came to that conclusion. Regis Labri, obviously a very talented coach. Though he does remind me of someone who could work on MasterChef. The professionals, maybe. The name. It's just the name.

[A]

He sounds like a linebacker for the Buffalo Bills.

[B]

Yeah. Or a game show host or something like that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Granite jacket. That's an interesting signing. It feels to me that he's got the. The slot that should have been Jordan Henderson's. Yeah. And then Adingra and really talented player. I wonder why Brighton have let him go. That's my.

[C]

There's rumors that he's not the most dedicated trainer, I think.

[B]

Yes. And. Yeah. And when you consider that the managers you work with at Bright and, you know, deserve it. And Herzler, they like things their own way. Let's see how Regis gets on with him.

[A]

He'll just sack him in the end zone and then we'll get him.

[B]

He'll get him peeling potatoes in the corner like a com.

[A]

Come on down.

[C]

And some of this preseason's been dreadful as well.

[A]

Oh, is it?

[C]

They beat Augsburg and they beat South Shield as much as they beat anybody else.

[B]

There's a big, big. Won the big local derby then 4, 0 as well.

[C]

Got beat 3 nil fiveano at the weekend.

[A]

Where have you got them?

[C]

20Th.

[A]

Oh, you got them.

[C]

I'm realistic.

[A]

Okay, Baz, 15th. 15th for you. Okay then Tottenham are bought 17th and.

[B]

I had them bottom.

[A]

Unfortunately spurs have brought in Muhammad Kudas. Mati's telling. Kevin Danzo have signed permanently. Luka Vuskovic, a centre back from Hatrick Split as well. Joao Pollina has come in human. Sonneh's left, Hojburg's left as well. James Madison injured for most of the season. They begin at home to Burnley, then they go to Man City. Play Bournemouth, West Ham and Brighton. We are recording this before Tottenham's victory over PSG in the European Super Cup. I had more enthusiasm for that until their social media account was like. Bayern Munich score 2 nil. Bayern Munich score 3 nil. Bayern Munich score 4 nil. In a pre season friendly. Thomas Frank. Look, spurs have ruined the lives of a lot of high profile managers. Can they ruin the life of a lower profile one? Barry?

[D]

Probably. I have high hopes for Thomas Frank. I have to say at spurs he has a hard act to follow insofar as Ange Postoglu won a trophy. He doesn't have a hard act to follow insofar as spurs lost more than half of the Premier League games last season. Was it 22? Yeah, yeah, I think he is. He's been around long enough and is smart enough not to be phased by this step up, you know, bigger stadium, more demanding fan base. Spurs had a big problem last season. I think more so than any other side. They just throwing away points from winning positions. I think that won't happen this season. I think they will be far more defensively solid under Frank. I think they'll be better at set pieces. I think, I think they'll be absolutely fine. I, I, I think he'll have the motoring up the table. There won't be anywhere near the relegation.

[C]

So the problem Frank has is that his, his history shows he starts slowly at clubs. It takes a while for players to, to learn how to do what he wants them to do. And you know, I think at Brentford He on one of the first 10 games I think it's the start and because he is, as you said, he's a lower profile manager, there is a danger that a section of spurs fans who are already. But why are we getting bloke from Brentford? Surely we're better than that. They see that and they immediately turn on him and it becomes a bit like Nuno and he's drummed out by October. I think that that is a genuine risk. I hope it doesn't happen because I think in time he would be good. But already things are sort of ganging up on him. Not getting Gibbs White when it looked like they. They got him. Yeah. Still damaged. Yeah.

[A]

They're exploring Eze and Savino and El Canus. They explore a lot of.

[B]

No club better at exploring transfer opportunities. Yeah. It's funny, I saw Daniel Levy did that interview with Gary Neville and talked about the money they've spent, but then I actually looked at it and actually it was money they spent previously on players that were already coming in like Dan. So. And tell listen, I'm a huge admirer of Thomas Frank. As I've said many times on this podcast, I do fear for him. I do think he has the wherewithal, the constitution to deal with it at Brenford. There are a lot of difficult times over those years. He dealt with them all. When Barry says that they'll be better at set pieces, I think they can't be any worse set pieces. Thomas Frank will actually concentrate on set pieces and not dismiss them as some mere frippery as dear old Ange did. The thing is with Frank is that he is a pragmatic coach and he will play. He can play different styles, I think.

[A]

And he changed how Brentford played.

[B]

Yes, because he played that very passing game. Then they arrived as the sort of new Wimbledon in. In the Premier League and by the end of it they were playing this really attacking football. I think Tottenham fans will quite enjoy that if he plays that and he's innovative and he has the ability to improve players, which is a big skill in managers. And Tottenham need that. They've got quite a lot of good young players coming in. There's a lot of hope for the Japanese guy that's coming again. I think they'll be fine with Frank if there's patience there. Patience at Tottenham in short supply over the years, but also beyond Frank, there's been a big shifting in the boardroom and the. And the sporting director and head of football and all that stuff. It's a club in transition. Funny enough, winning a trophy was supposed to be the achievement of a dream. Well, football doesn't work like that, does it? It's on to the next thing.

[C]

I have them fifth, sixth, seventh, seventh.

[A]

All right, West Ham, then. We are running out of time. Who could have foreseen this? West Ham and Wolves fans, as is customary, we apologize.

[D]

I. I suspect West Ham Wolves fans won't be that upset. We've run out.

[A]

I have them bottomed.

[D]

Have you?

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Right.

[A]

I'm not quite sure why, but I don't think it's going to be. I mean, they've brought in Jean Claire to Debo.

[B]

They already have him.

[A]

Yeah. El Hadjuf. Not that one. Left back from Slava region.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Carl Walker, Peters and Callum Wilson. Kudis has gone. Zoom has gone. Danny Ing's gone. Mikhail Antonio, of course. Great news for Barry. Lucas Fabianski's gone. So.

[D]

That'S gone.

[A]

Can't be sure. They start Sunderland. They played Chelsea Forest, spurs and palace came 14th. Does feel, Barry, like a tough season for Graham Potter this.

[D]

Yeah. You look at the signings they brought in. Not even remotely inspirational. I think West Ham's most remarkable moment last season was the Nicholas Fulcrug rant after they failed to beat Southampton. I think they beat Manchester United as well. And that's. They're the only two things of note. West Ham that registered with me last year.

[B]

They did change managers and everything. And you.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

But I mean, their form didn't change. All did. There's 23 points from 20 games on Lopetegi and 20 points from 18 games on Grand Potter. So it just kept going exactly the same rate.

[B]

It's a classic West Ham misery summer. Again, we were talking sporting directors. One came in, he's gone. The same guy that's been doing pretty much running the shop for. For many years is doing it. David Sullivan. There is disquiet amongst the fans. Maybe. Maybe West Ham fans wouldn't have it any other way. But you do fear for them. That game against Sunderland. Six pointer, isn't it?

[C]

12. 12 pointer. 12 pointer.

[D]

I do think that the one ray of positivity is Lucas Petta. He's off the hook for that gambling charge. Hopes will once again be pinned on Jared Bowen. Jarrod Bone has twins who are over just gone past two years old. Jared Bowen's going to be very tired.

[A]

Like, you know what? I, I. On the same note, did you see James Madison who has a.3 kids, has twins and another kid and then he. They did an announcement saying we're having twins again. So I was obviously, you know, I'm. I'm really sad that he's injured because I love him as a player, but I was worried about this season for him anyway, or in nine months time, because you can't have twins and twins and not be two sets of twins.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, so Bowen will be. Absolutely.

[D]

Yeah. He's going to be broken, man. Yeah.

[B]

He's worked hard enough as it is.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

But the thing is, I was looking at myself that I researched the age of Jared Bowen's twins in the course of this because there's so little else to work with. Graham Potter was sold to us as this. Oh, he's a genius. And he did an undeniably good job at Brighton. But I'm beginning to wonder, has he got.

[B]

Well, I think the West Ham fans are wondering because it's not a lack of charisma, it's just that he's just a normal guy and that isn't how. That's not how football works and it's not how it doesn't work at West Ham. You're right. You know, you need Harry, Harry needs Slaven. You need. You need someone that's got a bit of. Yeah.

[A]

Where are we all putting them?

[D]

I have them 17, 18th, 19th, three.

[A]

Of us relegating West Ham. I'm also relegating Wolves. I have them 18th. Jorgenstrand Larsen signed permanently. Fair Lopez, John Arias and David Moller Wolf have come in. Cunha's gone. Ryan Ait, Nori is gone. Gonzalo Guedes has gone. They begin against City, then they play Bournemouth, Everton, Newcastle and Leeds. Look, Vito Pereira. Wilton did a brilliant job with them last year and it looks like it's going to be tougher this season. The thing that they can hang their hats on is him.

[C]

Undergarry Neal took eight points from 15 games under VIP Pereira. 34 points in 23 games. It's a massive improvement. That's. You're almost trebling the points per game. If he can sustain that, then you talk about getting into Europe, but I suspect they can't sustain that. But he clearly is a very charismatic bloke. He seems to be good at motivating not just the players, but the fan base. Once he come in, once that first three or four weeks had passed, he didn't really think Wolves were going to get relegated last season. So if they start well, I think they'll be comfortable mid table. But they're one of those clubs who you could see falling off a wall.

[B]

Look at his cv. Look how long he's lasted at his Various clubs.

[A]

It's a long cv, isn't it?

[B]

It's a long cv. There's a lot of clubs he's managed in Brazil, Portugal, Asia as well. He's there for a good time, not a long time, I think. And he likes his pints after points, doesn't he? Even when they were struggling to Gary o', Neill, I always thought there's a lot of talent in the squad that's sort of of fairly latent fair. Lopez that they brought in. Quote from Vito Pereira. He has the magic we need, so let's watch out for him.

[D]

They have a brilliant midfield, I think in Andre and Xiao Gomez. John Arias they brought in, he lit up the club World Cup. Will he be able to carry that form onto the Premier League? Time will tell. I don't think they'll do as well as last season, but I don't. I'm not relegating them either. Where do you have them?

[C]

16Th, 13th.

[B]

I have them 15th.

[A]

15Th. I have them 18th. Quickly, let's have your top sevens. Barry, your top seven, please.

[D]

Liverpool, man City, Arsenal, Brighton, Chelsea, Spurs. And your bottom three from the bottom. Burnley, Everton, Leeds, Wilson.

[C]

Top seven. Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool City, Villa, United. Tottenham. Bottom three from. From bottom upwards. Sunderland, Burnley, West Ham.

[B]

Arsenal winners. Liverpool, City, Chelsea, Manchester, United, Villa, Tottenham. Bottom three. Burnley, West Ham, Sunderland.

[A]

Right. And I have Man City winning the league. Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, Villa, Man United as my top seven. West Ham bottom Burnley 19th and Wolves 18th. Apologies to these three sides. So you have Chelsea you think will win the league?

[C]

I think they need to bring in a center back, but I trust their ability to buy players. Yeah, I think you're watching the club World cup final. They were so good and that was such an obvious Maresca triumph I think last season. Maresca Lo de grief Os Football's boring, but if they take the lead in the first 15, 20 minutes of games and you're being slightly boring protecting a 1 nil lead, I think fans are much more accepting of that. And a lot of the problem last season was they just didn't take their chances. I know a lot of Chelsea fans got quite upset with Nicholas Jackson. They've clearly upgraded him. Xiao Pedro and Liam Delap I think are both upgrades. And Nicholas Jackson I just feel really sorry for. He's one of the people who's been chewed up by that whole way of doing business. He came in having played 16 games in La Liga and suddenly, oh, you're a first choice centre forward for a Premier League club who expects to get in the Champions league. And it's a ludicrous expectation to place on a young player. He's never had a time to develop or a place to sort of. He hasn't had the, you know, the right sort of curve of education. So I still think there could be a player in there. I think his movement's pretty good, just not that good at finishing yet.

[A]

I'm being told we have two minutes to get out of the studio. I don't know what's on next, so whatever thought you had Jon, you can't have it. And that'll do. Save it for the next bot. Thanks, everybody. Thank you, Wilson.

[C]

Cheers.

[A]

Thank you, John.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Thank you, Barry.

[D]

Thank you, Max.

[A]

Leave us a nice review on Apple or Spotify, wherever you get your podcast. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Blue sky, etc. And we'll be back next week. But we're weekly as produced by Joel Grove. Our executive producer is Danielle Stevens. This is the Guardian.